Is the couch you are sitting on toxic? With concerns about the use of new flame retardants, researchers from Duke University, Boston University, and U.C. Berkeley tested more than 100 couches from across the United States. They detected chemical flame retardants in 85% of these couches. The research was published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.

California’s furniture flammability standard, also known as TB 117, requires that the foam used in upholstery withstand exposure to a small flame with out igniting for 12 seconds. Flame retardants are added to foam to meet these requirements. Although this TB 117 is unique to California, the researchers found that coaches manufactured across the country contained flame retardants and that“TB 117 is becoming a de facto standard across the U.S.”

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a type of flame retardant. The Environmental Protection Agency notes that PBDE’s may be toxic to both humans and the environment, so PBDE’s were phased out of manufacturing in 2004. However, PBDE’s are still being detected in humans and in our environment.

Since the PBDE phase out in 2004, alternative flame retardants have been used to meet the requirement of the California’s furniture flammability standard. The effects of these new flame retardants have not been thoroughly studied. These chemicals may be linked to cancer, hormone changes and could be neurotoxic.

Even more concerning is recent research that found these same flame retardant chemicals in house dust. The chemicals essentially leak out of the furniture and into our home environments.

With this information, it is clear that we need to study the health and environmental effects of these new flame retardants. Time Healthland reports that Governor Jerry Brown is also beginning to re-evaluate California’s furniture regulations.

I was really surprised to learn about this research. It is making me look at my home and the furniture in it with fresh eyes.

The advice provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or treatment for specific medical conditions

Thanks for posting Dr. Dana. I’ve unfortunately known about this for quite a while and the have done some research on alternative furniture. While “green” or organic sofas tend to be very expensive, IKEA might be an affordable alternative as they do not use PBDEs in their furniture. While they don’t use flame retardants in places like Europe and Canada they are required do so here per US requirements. Supposedly they using other kinds that are known to be less toxic. Do I even need to say that these chemicals are banned in furniture and bedding in the EU and have been so for a long time? My friends over here thought I was “crazy” spending money on organic mattresses, so I am glad that people like you are shedding some light on this issue :). It is a sad state of affair that conventional furniture and bedding may pose a threat to our children . Another problem, by the way, is children’s PJ’s that are treated with flame retardants unless they are made of cotton and are snug fitting. I have yet to find night gown for my daughter here in the US that are free from chemicals, so I have to get them in Europe. The US needs to step up on this issue and get into the 21st century.

Maddysays:

November 29, 2012 at 4:57 pm

I’m worried of flame retardents as well. I have several retarded children, and I have to watch over those little “vegetable potatoes” and make sure they don’t huff too much of the nuisance.

I read about Racheal Carson, and it’s a dandy story about the toxic chemicals leeched into Californian soil. DDT (don’t do that!)

Having mentioned “flame retardent” and the Silent Spring Institute, all I can think of is last summer in Colorado Springs where my house almost burned down when I was working for mentally disabled adults.

definitely thereare ways to go natural. Flammability standards can achieved with natural products instead of using dangerous chemicals. Thinknaturalproducts.com has passed flammability test on its mattresses and cushions using natural fibers.

I live in Canada (Montreal). I just bought a sofa from IKEA and unfortunately, I found, once the box opened, that this product complies with californian Standard TB 117. So I called IKEA and they don’t want to give us the information about HOW do they comply to this standard. This standard is not required in CANADA, but still…If their products comply with TB117, that MEANS that they use flame retardants… :-((((( even if we think that it is safe in Canada (like in Europe). Well it is not.

Hot Topic

Even though the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter, Daylight Saving Time is quickly approaching! On Sunday, March 8th at 2:00am, most of us will turn our clocks ahead one hour. Here are some tips that you can implement now to help you and your baby make a smooth transition as we “spring forward.”… Read more »